New Orleans Saints news, rumors and injuries

New Orleans Saints OG Jahri Evans was initially expected to be released this offseason, but the team is trying to negotiate a restructured contract. The team is at least $20 million over the 2015 projected salary cap.

Fantasy Tip: It is not known how likely it would be for the Saints to select Winston in the draft, but he likely would have to wait a few years to play with Drew Brees on the team. Winston would not be an option in fantasy drafts if he joins the Saints.

New Orleans Saints impending free-agent RB Mark Ingram is coveted by head coach Sean Payton, and Payton is hoping the team can find a way to re-sign him. "Hopefully he's someone that's back in the black and gold. Because he's been a big part of our success offensively," Payton said of Ingram, who finally had a breakout year in his fourth NFL season, running for 964 yards and nine touchdowns and earning his first Pro Bowl invite as an alternate.

Fantasy Tip: The Saints will have to get creative with their salary cap in order to bring back Ingram. At first glance, our guess would be that Ingram moves on and Khiry Robinson becomes the Saints' feature back in 2015. If that's the case, Robinson will be an intriguing RB3 with upside for more in this potent offense.

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees doesn't need to receive a contract extension for the team to get under the 2015 salary cap, according to head coach Sean Payton. Brees has two years left on his five-year, $100 million deal, with salary cap hits of $26.4 million and $27.4 million in 2015 and 2016. The Saints are currently projected at $25 to $30 million over the cap.

Fantasy Tip: Brees once again should be a top-tier QB1 in 2015, especially with Brandin Cooks expected to return for a healthy season. Brees managed 4,952 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2014 in a "down" year for New Orleans.

New Orleans Saints impending free-agent RB Mark Ingram's future with the team depends on Ingram's market value in free agency and the team's lack of salary-cap flexibility, according to general manager Mickey Loomis. Loomis didn't rule out re-signing Ingram if the two sides can agree on his value before March 10. Ingram rushed for a career-high 964 yards last season and will be one of the top free-agent running backs on the market.

Fantasy Tip: The Saints' first priority is getting under the salary cap before free agency starts, so it looks increasingly likely that Ingram will be on the open market. He'll be a welcome addition to any team, but his fantasy value is to be determined until his future is clearer. If he departs New Orleans, Khiry Robinson will be a hot target in fantasy drafts as an RB2.

New Orleans Saints DT Brodrick Bunkley could be released this offseason since he is scheduled to make $4.5 million in 2015. The team would save $2.9 million if they released Bunkley now or could save $4.5 million if they designate him as a post June 1 cut. The team could also consider restructuring Bunkley's contract this offseason.

Fantasy Tip: Cooks caught at least five passes in eight games this season but only recorded three touchdowns during the season. Cooks could receive a better role in the passing game, so he could be considered a low-end No. 2 wide receiver or a No. 3 with high upside in drafts next season. Cooks probably will have more value in point-per-reception leagues.

New Orleans Saints PK Shayne Graham signed a one-year deal Thursday, Feb. 12. Financial terms were not disclosed. At 37 years old, Graham will be competing with fellow PK Dustin Hopkins for the starting job. Hopkins was signed to a Reserve/Futures deal in 2014.

Fantasy Tip: Graham may be a little over the hill at this point to be considered a viable starting fantasy kicker. Kickers are arguably the most flexible position in fantasy football, so he's not the hottest of commodities.

New Orleans Saints LB Parys Haralson re-signed with the team on a one-year deal Thursday, Feb. 12, according to a league source. He has played in every regular-season snap in the last two years, making 20 starts with 65 tackles and 6.5 sacks. The Saints will likely still look to add more youth and athleticism to the outside linebackers spot this offseason. Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed.